Cricket: Former Black Caps pass on tips

Andy Sainsbury
Andy Sainsbury
''Pretty good'' was the verdict from budding young cricketers after a morning of coaching by former Black Caps yesterday. Batting, bowling, catching and wicketkeeping practice were all on the agenda for about 100 children at the Alexandra Festival of Cricket at Molyneux Park.

For 11-year-old Cromwell cricketer Flynn Reyntjes,the batting segment was the most useful.

''Batting was the best thing I learned about today. I learned about hand-eye co-ordination.''

The children then put their bowling skills to the test, as they challenged former Black Cap Roger Twose.

Following the morning coaching session, under the scorching Central Otago sun, the former Black Caps and other players took to the field for the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association v Otago Country Cricket Association twenty/20 match.

Batting first, the NZCPA side rattled up an imposing 213 for seven. Twose led the way, smashing 66 off 26 balls. Former New Zealand batsman and coach Mark Greatbatch added 61.

In reply, the Otago Country side scored 191 for five. Eric Standfield led the locals with 77, supported by James Pyle's 32.

Former Black Caps bowlers Daryl Tuffey (two for 20) and Kerry Walmsley (one for 19 off three overs) starred with the ball.

Otago Country cricket development manager Andy Sainsbury said the fun day, put on by the association, was about bringing cricket to Alexandra.

''It's good for the locals to see some cricket.''

He said about 300 people had turned up to watch the match, a similar number to last year.

 

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